Profits soar for top Northern law business

Leeds-based Shulmans LLP has reported record profits of more than £6.2M, an increase of 40 per cent for the 2017/18 financial year, with turnover reaching £16M, up 24 per cent on last year.

The UK top 200 corporate law firm has gone from strength to strength in the last 12 months with 216 people and 24 partners now employed at its Wellington Place headquarters and recognition in the leading national awards for the legal profession.

At The Lawyer Awards 2018, Shulmans was picked out as one of the top two independent law firms in the North and Scotland with the judges highlighting the firm’s ‘determined leadership’, ‘innovative pricing’ and ‘impressive organic growth, excellent client wins and people focus.’

As well as boasting a slew of national clients including Lidl, Greggs, Barratt Homes, Costcutter, Betfred and Town Centre Securities, Shulmans’ international clients now include Ghana International Bank Plc and Chilean manufacturer, Drillco.

The team has grown with multiple appointments including new partner Julie Carr in the residential development team, associate Peter Woods in the commercial property unit, Donna Bibby as Client Relationship and Business Development Manager in the debt recovery unit and Katrina Allen as an associate in the firm’s transactional property team.

The firm has developed its existing talent through its ‘Forward with Shulmans’ career progression scheme, with the partner promotions of Richard Robinson in Property Litigation and Tom Watkins in Employment. A mentoring programme for newly qualified solicitors has been introduced as the firm continues to nurture its colleagues.

Managing Partner, Tim Halstead, said: “This has been an exceptional year as we continue to grow and increase market share. It’s also an incredible achievement to be recognised by The Lawyer for what we’ve done to develop the firm.

“We are proud to be different, investing in our people and supporting employees with a transparent career development programme as we continue to grow organically. Our decision to base the full team in Wellington Place has been very successful, enabling clients to access all our expertise under one roof. It also means that all our colleagues can benefit from work-life balance initiatives in the heart of the Leeds Business District. Our dedicated team continually strives for excellence and this is recognised by clients and colleagues alike.”